Blog Archives

Here’s a book you’ve got to read: Carry On by Lisa Fenn. I am trying hard not to be a book review site, but I’ve been reading like crazy (I’m kicking butt in my Goodreads Challenge) and the deeper I get into this being-an-author thing, the more I’m connecting with other writers and find myself committing – and volunteering – to do reviews.

As a parent, you’ll be grateful for this book review. I devoured Carry On and found myself underlining and marking passages with hearts, stars, smiley faces and even some tear drops. I loved this book and its powerful story; I’d recommend it as a family read or an independent read for older kids and teens. There are so many things to discuss, so many life lessons and conversation starters.

Carry On tells the story of how an ESPN journalist featured two wrestlers, each with their own disability, one blind and one without legs, and found herself becoming entwined in their lives. Eventually Fenn became their mentor, their family, and their Guardian Angel as Dartanyon wrote on his emergency contact form describing her “Relationship to Student.”

I’m almost not sure how to begin, what to share with you about this inspiring, heart-wrenching, hopeful story. It made me reflect on so much in life, in our society, and on our current journey within the foster care system. I was moved by the challenges these boys faced, by their growth and insights, like this quote from Leroy.

History is like gravity. It can pull you down. We wanted to succeed, but we needed someone to show us how – someone who believed our potential was more important than our past.
– Leroy

Carry On is the evidence that mentoring works, that caring about another person – really investing in someone – makes a difference. I love this video from Josh Shipp and this story made me think of his video: Every kid is one caring adult away from success. For Leroy and Dartanyon, Lisa Fenn became that one caring adult.

Questions bubbled and and I pondered the effects of poverty, how long a person carries trauma, the power of forgiveness and open-mindedness and many other issues. A good book is certainly one that prods thought and pushes us to see the world in new ways.

I met my Little Sister when she was seven. We sat in a booth and started to get to know one another over chicken with broccoli. I remember she politely made sure to empty her mouth before speaking or answering any questions. We were both hoping to make a good first impression, and even more, a lasting connection.

When I toasted, “Here’s to new friends!” this sweet second-grader looked up at me and corrected, “Here’s to sisters!” She has been a part of our family ever since.